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JFK → IAD
Which side of the plane to sit from John F Kennedy International Airport (New York) to Washington Dulles International Airport (Washington)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers a front-row seat to the dense urban landscape of the Northeast Corridor, including spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.
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Statue of Liberty
A classic view of Liberty Island and Ellis Island shortly after climbing out of the New York area.
Midtown Manhattan
Unmatched perspectives of the Empire State Building and Central Park if the flight path tracks over New Jersey.
Philadelphia Skyline
Clear views of the Center City skyscrapers and the industrial curves of the Delaware River.
Downtown Baltimore
Spot the Inner Harbor and the stadiums as the aircraft begins its final descent into the D.C. metro area.
Potomac River
The winding river that separates Maryland and Virginia, often visible just before touching down at Dulles.
The right side is the 'urban' side. For the best views of the Manhattan skyline, pray for a clear day and a departure that heads west before turning south. In the late afternoon, the setting sun can create a golden glow on the Philly and Baltimore skylines, making for excellent photography. Avoid sitting directly over the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the ground landmarks.
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Lower Manhattan
Aerial views of the Financial District, One World Trade Center, and the Brooklyn Bridge shortly after takeoff.
The Jersey Shore
Continuous views of the Atlantic coastline, including the boardwalks of Asbury Park and the Atlantic City skyline.
Delaware Bay
The expansive meeting point of the Delaware River and the Atlantic Ocean near Cape May.
Chesapeake Bay
The Eastern Shore of Maryland and the intricate network of inlets and islands as you approach Northern Virginia.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you and avoid harsh glare off the water. If departing JFK to the south, you'll get a beautiful view of Sandy Hook, New Jersey, within the first 10 minutes of flight. This side is ideal for seeing the coastal geography rather than the city centers.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 366 km (227 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 37 min
Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Arrival: IAD (38.94449997, -77.45580292)
Route Type: Domestic
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